Facts for the Traveler

Visas: Only a valid passport is necessary for citizens of most countries.
Time Zone: GMT/UTC +12
Dialling Code: 64
Electricity: 230V ,50Hz
Weights & measures: Metric

When to Go

The weather is never so miserable that there's no point in going to New Zealand: there are things to see and do all year round. The warmer months (November to April) are busiest, especially during the school holidays from December 20 to the end of January. Ski resort towns are obviously busier during the winter months. If you're travelling during peak periods (especially the Christmas season) it's best to book ahead, as much accommodation and transport fills up. It's probably more pleasant to visit either before or after this hectic period, when the weather is still warm and there aren't as many other travellers around.

Events

Some of the noteworthy cultural events include: Summer City Programme (January to February; Wellington), which is a series of festivals around the city; BMW Wine Marlborough Festival (2nd week in February; Blenheim); New Zealand Festival (February, even-numbered years only; Wellington), an entire month of national and international culture; Golden Shears Sheep-Shearing Contest (March; Masterton), a must for lovers of sheep and sweat; and Canterbury Show Week (November; Christchurch), which has agricultural exhibits, rides and local entertainment.

Public Holidays
1 Jan - New Year's Day
6 Feb - Waitangi Day
Mar/Apr - Easter
25 Apr - Anzac Day
1st Mon in June - Queen's Birthday
4th Mon in Oct - Labour Day
25 Dec - Christmas Day
26 Dec - Boxing Day